Voters in Michigan cities back marijuana issues

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Voters in several Michigan cities backed local ballot issues to decriminalize marijuana in some cases.

The Grand Rapids Press reports a proposal to amend the Grand Rapids city charter so people possessing or using marijuana no longer would be subject to a misdemeanor offense was supported by roughly 60 percent of voters. Marijuana violations would become civil infractions after Tuesday’s vote.

The Flint Journal reports about 60 percent of ballots counted on an issue in Flint to decriminalize possession of less than an ounce of marijuana by those 19 or older were in favor of the change.

In Detroit, more than 60 percent of ballots counted supported Proposal M, which would allow adults over age 21 to possess less than an ounce of marijuana on personal property without criminal prosecution.